What might the interview task be?

[Twospaniels]

Daughter has an interview for a school office manager / pa. They say she will be asked to complete a task

I’ve told her to brush up her Word and Excel

Anything else?

Usually writing a report for possibly governors or newsletter. Might be a task to check grammar, spelling etc

On a separate note make sure she reads up on school safeguarding policy as will be a question on safeguarding

When I went for a pa job I had to put a list of tasks in order of priority 'ie a service user is standing in reception' 'the phone is ringing' 'copying needs to be done' . I had to type a letter for an appointment as well.

There will probably be a task to prioritise activities. Also need to give examples on how to deal with challenging situations and how to calm down angry parent

Be prepared for one/several of these:

1. Write a letter.
2. Proofread a letter.
3. In-tray (prioritisation) exercise.

As well as scenario based safeguarding questions.

Event flyer, draft an email, sorting data by dob, joining date etc. Brush up on safeguarding and scenarios such as accident.

Make sure she is prepared for the possibility of a panel interview, so 3 or 4 people in the panel. Can be unnerving if you are not expecting that many people

Agree with priorities - phone-call, visitors, writing a letter.

Probably writing a difficult email, and an excel task involving formulas. Our excel task always has a vlookup as a bonus point so worth suggesting that to her too! Good luck!

Typing speed.

Proficiency with word, excel etc.

Grammar, spelling and structure.

Responses to various scenarios that may arise in the job.

Memos to parents/teachers etc.

Reply to this letter, and also put these tasks in order of priority etc

Thank you everyone
Really useful

There may will be a list of things to prioritise:
Anything to do with safeguarding
Heath and safety- damage to building etc
Parent complaining
Sales rep etc.
Get her to read all school polices in website/.recent ofsted etc

Just thought I’d let you all know that my daughter got the job! She’s really thrilled.
And she said she found your suggestions really useful especially about mugging up on safeguarding as they did ask about that.

Congratulations! That's lovely news!